Phoenix is not just hot. It is a city that literally rose from old canals in the middle of the Sonoran Desert and turned itself into one of the biggest cities in the United States. With around 1.6 million people as of 2022, Phoenix is now the fifth-largest city in the country and the capital of Arizona. The name “Phoenix” feels fitting here: a city built on the remains of an ancient irrigation system, brought back to life by modern settlers in the late 1800s.
From Ancient Canals To Modern City
Long before freeways and suburbia, the Hohokam people lived in the area that is now Phoenix. Starting around 300 BCE, they dug an impressive network of canals to farm in the desert. Their civilization lasted for about 1,700 years and then faded around 1400 CE, leaving behind canals that later residents would reuse.
In the 1860s, an entrepreneur named Jack Swilling saw potential in those ancient canals. Working with “Lord” Darrell Duppa, he helped start a new community around 1867. Duppa, a fan of classical stories, suggested the name “Phoenix” for this fresh start. The town grew quickly, officially organizing in 1870 and incorporating in 1881. By 1889, Phoenix had even taken the territorial capital from Prescott, and when Arizona became a state in 1912, Phoenix became the state capital.
Life In The Valley Of The Sun
If you like sunshine, Phoenix might feel like a dream. The city gets around 300 to 325 days of sun each year, with an average high temperature of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is rare, with only about 7.66 inches a year, so the city relies heavily on irrigation from the Salt River and other water projects to support its people, farms, and parks.
Despite the dry climate, Phoenix has worked hard to add green and open spaces. The city has more than 200 public parks, ranging from neighborhood spots to huge desert preserves. South Mountain Park alone covers over 20,000 acres, making it one of the largest city-owned parks in the world.
People And Culture
Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and attracts many young, educated residents. The median age is about 35.1, with almost half the population between 25 and 59. Around 83.9 percent of residents have at least a high school diploma.
The city is also very diverse. About 42.6 percent of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, 41.2 percent as White only, 7.4 percent as Black or African American, 2.1 percent as Native American or Alaska Native, and 3.7 percent as Asian. This mix shows up in the city’s food, music, art, and daily life. Phoenix has produced its share of well-known names, too. Rock icons Alice Cooper and Stevie Nicks, actress Lynda Carter, and senator Barry Goldwater all have roots in the city.
Culture lovers have plenty to explore. The Heard Museum highlights Native American art and history, while the Pueblo Grande Museum gives a closer look at the Hohokam settlement and old canal system. The Phoenix Art Museum and other local museums add to the city’s growing arts scene.
Work, Business And Big-City Energy
Phoenix has moved far beyond being just a desert town. It is a major industrial and service center with strong sectors in manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, agriculture, mining, and lumber. The State of Arizona is the largest single employer, but big private employers like Honeywell, Banner Health, Wells Fargo, and Walmart also have a strong presence.
Tourism is huge too. In 2022, about 19.5 million visitors came to Phoenix and spent roughly 4.4 billion dollars, almost half of all visitors to the state. Golf courses, parks, museums, and that ever-reliable sunshine make it an easy sell for travelers. Phoenix is also a major education and research hub. The University of Phoenix, one of the country’s largest universities, is based here, alongside schools like Arizona State University’s local campus, Grand Canyon University, and DeVry Institute of Technology.
The city’s sports and media scenes help give it that big-city feel. Phoenix supports pro teams in baseball, basketball, hockey, football, and arena football. It also has more than forty radio stations, about twenty television stations, and a major daily newspaper, the Arizona Republic.
Why Phoenix Keeps Growing Strong
From ancient Hohokam canals to modern freeways and research labs, Phoenix has always been about making the most of a tough environment. With its sun-soaked climate, diverse and growing population, strong economy, and deep Native American and Old West roots, the city has turned a challenging desert landscape into a thriving metro area. If you are curious how a city can reinvent itself again and again and still keep growing, Phoenix is a very bright example.
Source: ebsco.com
Header Image Source: Chris Tingom on Unsplash
